Frankie Parks' Ards couldn't break down Crusaders

Irish League Premier Division:
Ards 0-0 Crusaders

Ards and Crusaders failed to find the target in Tuesday's Daily Mirror Irish League Premier Division game at Taylor's Avenue.

Crusaders were the better side in the first half but they were reduced to 10-men early in the second when veteran centre-back Jeff Spiers was sent off.

Spiers was yellow-carded in the 51st minute for a challenge on David Scullion and received his marching order four minutes later after a clumsy challenge on John Bailie.

Crusaders' Paul Muir went closest to scoring in the first half when his 28th minute header hit the crossbar.

Earlier, a mistake by Ards defender Darren Nixon had given Alan Murphy a chance but he fired over the bar with only Stephen Robertson to beat.

Seven minutes after the break, Garry Haylock went close for Ards with a 16 yard shot.

Late on, both teams went close to claiming the three points.

Crusaders' Gavin Arthur saw a free-kick tipped over by Stephen Robertson.